The "140 Difference Grant Contest" was awarded based on a Twitter competition called the #WorldsShortestGrant, where entries had to conform to Twitter's 140 character rule. Rebecca Roy, Founder of Draft Gratitude, submitted a winning tweet: "Farm horses retired from work, not from life with #WorldsShortestGrant from @So-Delicious."

"We are thrilled that we are one of the animal welfare nonprofits that have received this grant," said Roy. "The money will go a long way to helping us provide care for unwanted draft horses."

Roy noted that there is an endless supply of aged draft horses that end up being slaughtered every day. "These are the same horses that have worked tirelessly their entire lives. Often they are quiet, well trained, talented horses with plenty of life left to live. They deserve a second chance and a place to call home."

So Delicious has awarded micro-grants ranging from $140 to $10,000 to individuals, small businesses and nonprofits around the country that are helping "to make a difference in the world." The categories included those working in animal welfare.

Draft Gratitude, established in 2014, is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization dedicated to saving the lives of unwanted draft horses. Once rescued, the draft horses are rehabilitated and will either be available for adoption or stay in sanctuary at the 23 acre farm.

Learn more about Draft Gratitude, its mission and opportunities to sponsor a rescued horse at www.draftgratitude.com or call 603-762-3266.

BRATTLEBORO &GT;&GT; Hilltop Montessori School and Stevens & Associates, P.C. received an award in this year's Engineering Excellence Awards Competition by the American Council of Engineering Companies of Vermont.

The competition's Merit Award, was given for the work in renovating and repurposing the Hilltop Montessori School Arts Barn. Hilltop Montessori School approached Stevens & Associates to explore the possibilities for an existing barn on their campus. The school hoped to expand the building into an arts center to accommodate art programs, performances, and recreation activities. he final design kept half of the original building, adding theater and gymnasium spaces that can be either combined or maintain their individual purpose. The new addition used pre-manufactured insulated panels structurally to support the high walls and large roof loads. The design incorporated embedded I-joists and connections to adequately support and transfer loads. This complex design produced a multi-functioning space which offers stunning hilltop views, making it ideal for social and community events.

Hilltop Montessori School and Stevens & Associates will accept this award at the 2016 ACEC/VT Engineering Excellence Awards Dinner in Stowe.

Stevens & Associates has won similar awards for earlier projects, including the Dot's Restaurant in Wilmington, Brattleboro Transportation Center, the Wilder Building renovation, and the renovation of the Brooks House and Cutler Block buildings in downtown Brattleboro.

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